You can make a difference in a child’s life

Elisha FreemanBe Our Guest

Published: Monday, July 1, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, June 28, 2013 at 6:09 p.m.

A recent article reported that North Carolina ranks 35th in child well-being and that one in four children in the state is living in poverty. These numbers are echoed in Henderson County, as the 2010 U.S. Census data count one in four children living in poverty locally.

During the 2012-2013 school year, 55.5 percent of the students enrolled in grades K-12 in Henderson County Public Schools were participating in the free and reduced-cost lunch program.

The published report also found that one in three children lived in households with adults lacking full-time employment. As unemployment benefits are cut and the earned income tax credit is set to expire next year, communities will be called upon to take care of the vulnerable children and families.

We know that poverty can have a devastating impact on a child’s life. These children are twice as likely to be in special education classes, 30 percent more likely to never go to college, and 70 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime, become a teen parent, drop out of school, and never hold a job.

According to a highly regarded framework put forth by America’s Promise, one of the best ways to alleviate the impact poverty can have on children’s lives is to ensure that they have caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education, and opportunities to serve in their life.

Children who enjoy the cumulative and sustained effect of these five promises are far more likely to be academically successful, civically engaged and socially competent, regardless of their family income.

Parents are the first and most important providers of these developmental resources, but they are far from the only ones. Other adults, schools, businesses, governments and communities all have key roles to play.

If we make and deliver on these promises to the children of Henderson County, we will create a community where each new generation can thrive.

We are already doing so much “right” to make this a wonderful place to raise a family. We are a community that can come together and identify where we might be falling short and generate solutions to help those children who may be lacking one or more of these promises in their lives.

Join us in making a promise to the youths of Henderson County that we will make sure they have these resources. Become a Promise Partner and help us build on our assets to guarantee that Henderson County is not only competitive economically and a great place to do business, but also a desirable place to live and raise a child.

Visit www.5promiseshc.org and learn how you can make a difference in a child’s life.

The United Agenda for Children is engaging business leaders, civic leaders and citizens to create and implement a shared vision and set of actions that will guarantee that all children are safe, healthy and well educated. For more information, contact the Children & Family Resource Center at 828-698-0674 or visit us at 851 Case St. in Hendersonville.

Elisha Freeman is the executive director of the Children & Family Resource Center.

<p>A recent article reported that North Carolina ranks 35th in child well-being and that one in four children in the state is living in poverty. These numbers are echoed in Henderson County, as the 2010 U.S. Census data count one in four children living in poverty locally.</p><p>During the 2012-2013 school year, 55.5 percent of the students enrolled in grades K-12 in Henderson County Public Schools were participating in the free and reduced-cost lunch program.</p><p>The published report also found that one in three children lived in households with adults lacking full-time employment. As unemployment benefits are cut and the earned income tax credit is set to expire next year, communities will be called upon to take care of the vulnerable children and families.</p><p>We know that poverty can have a devastating impact on a child's life. These children are twice as likely to be in special education classes, 30 percent more likely to never go to college, and 70 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime, become a teen parent, drop out of school, and never hold a job.</p><p>According to a highly regarded framework put forth by America's Promise, one of the best ways to alleviate the impact poverty can have on children's lives is to ensure that they have caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education, and opportunities to serve in their life.</p><p>Children who enjoy the cumulative and sustained effect of these five promises are far more likely to be academically successful, civically engaged and socially competent, regardless of their family income.</p><p>Parents are the first and most important providers of these developmental resources, but they are far from the only ones. Other adults, schools, businesses, governments and communities all have key roles to play.</p><p>If we make and deliver on these promises to the children of Henderson County, we will create a community where each new generation can thrive.</p><p>We are already doing so much “right” to make this a wonderful place to raise a family. We are a community that can come together and identify where we might be falling short and generate solutions to help those children who may be lacking one or more of these promises in their lives.</p><p>Join us in making a promise to the youths of Henderson County that we will make sure they have these resources. Become a Promise Partner and help us build on our assets to guarantee that Henderson County is not only competitive economically and a great place to do business, but also a desirable place to live and raise a child.</p><p>Visit www.5promiseshc.org and learn how you can make a difference in a child's life.</p><p>The United Agenda for Children is engaging business leaders, civic leaders and citizens to create and implement a shared vision and set of actions that will guarantee that all children are safe, healthy and well educated. For more information, contact the Children & Family Resource Center at 828-698-0674 or visit us at 851 Case St. in Hendersonville.</p><p>Elisha Freeman is the executive director of the Children & Family Resource Center.</p>